National Leader in Nutrition Education and Practice to Head American Dietetic Association in 2002-03

5/30/2002

From: Doris Acosta of the American Dietetic Association, 800-877-1600, ext. 4822

CHICAGO, May 30 -- Julie O'Sullivan Maillet, a West Orange, N.J., registered dietitian and university dean and faculty member, will take office June 1 as the 77th president of the American Dietetic Association, the nation's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals.

Maillet's term runs through May 31, 2003. She has served as ADA's president-elect for the past year.

Maillet brings 25 years of experience as an educator, administrator, and an expert in clinical dietetics. She is chair of the department of primary care and associate dean for academic affairs and research at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey - School of Health Related Professions.

Maillet has worked at the university from 1978 to 1982, and again since 1985 as a professor and director of the dietetic internship and coordinated dietetics programs. Previously, she was a clinical nutrition manager at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City and an adjunct faculty member at New York University.

"The goals of the American Dietetic Association closely parallel the future of health care in the United States," Maillet said. "Education, prevention and cost-effective treatments are the keys to helping individuals and society as a whole to get and stay healthy.

"Eating should be fun and healthy," Maillet added. "Maximizing health, preventing the development of disease and providing medical nutrition therapy -- all of which are among ADA's highest priorities -- will help improve and maintain the health of the American public.

"I hope during the coming year that the American Dietetic Association has the opportunity to enhance everyone's health and nutrition status through public policy and through collaborations with other organizations as we work on such important issues such as obesity. It is essential that we work together to solve these types of societal problems," Maillet said.

In addition to serving the past year as ADA's president-elect and previously as speaker of the Association's House of Delegates, Maillet's leadership positions with the American Dietetic Association include chair of its Foundation Scholarship Committee; member of the Board of Directors and its executive, diversity, fiscal affairs and legislative and public policy committees and member of the House of Delegates representing New Jersey.

Maillet was a site visitor for the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education and a member of the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

Maillet has served on several committees of the Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions and on the New Jersey Virtual University Design Team. She received ADA's Medallion Award for outstanding service in 1992.

Maillet is a past president of the New Jersey Dietetic Association and chaired its political action committee. She has written or co-written numerous articles, books and chapters on dietetics and health science education and practice; nutrition management for cancer and AIDS patients and ethical issues in dietetics practice and education.

Maillet graduated from New York University, where she received her master's degree in nutrition and higher education and her doctorate in nutrition.

With nearly 70,000 members, the Chicago-based American Dietetic Association serves the public by promoting optimal health and well-being for all people. Visit ADA at http://www.eatright.org.

--- Editor's note: To arrange a media interview with Julie O'Sullivan Maillet, call 800-877-1600, ext. 4822, or e-mail dacosta@eatright.org. Photos available on request.